The Science of Football

Yes, it allows students to develop their thinking of Physics in a real world setting.

Author: Nikole Brooks Bethea
Illustrator: Caio Cacau
Year Published: 2016
ISBN: 978 1-4914-6085-6

Summary

This is a graphic novel where a fan at a football game thinks he can help a team who is having a struggling season by teaching them more about the physics of football.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: High
Accuracy: High
Liteary Artistry: High
Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, it allows students to develop their thinking of Physics in a real world setting.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

There are a lot of questions posed in this book, but they are immediately answered by a character, not allowing the reader to ask their own questions. I think children will come up with more questions, but the book doesn't explicitly encourage noticing and wondering.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Not necessarily just because the conversations by the characters immediately answer the questions asked by the players.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes. Physics is very important in football and is a great way to introduce these topics and their real world applications.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Yes. The content is accurate and presented in a clear manner.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes. We know that the characters are fiction, but the information presented is true. This is not explicitly stated, but can be inferred. The teacher may need to clearly say this, depending on the grade, prior to the reading.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes. This is a graphic novel so the illustrations add a great deal to what is being explained.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes. The writing is written in a way my fourth graders would understand, but the certain content areas of the science presented may need further discussion and explaining. I think it is a great way to introduce these topics, but to further go into them with classmates or a teacher.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

Yes, characters of all different backgrounds are presented.

Is the book free from gender bias?

There are no women in this book.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

Absolutely. The whole point is to show how critical physics is in football.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Yes. It is engaging, exciting, and shows the importance of science in an area we may not associate it with.

Science Topics

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